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Little Wade and Watchtower #1
Abigail and the Great Gang Trap
"There's a legend for children who are sad and who cry
about a little boy ghost, dressed in black, who can fly
about a big, metal giant who can stand sky high
They'll always help you, and they'll never lie.
"They'll show you that even in your darkest hour,
deep inside you lies incredible power.
They are LITTLE WADE and WATCHTOWER!"
New York. 1899.
Abigail Reid just wants to go to school and get an education. A poor farm girl who only recently moved to New York from the country, she quickly learns that New York City can be a very dangerous place. The Longshadows, the ruthless gangsters that control her neighborhood, have her surrounded, but just when Abigail thinks she is all alone, she meets the legendary LITTLE WADE AND WATCHTOWER!
With their help, Abigail will discover that she is far braver and more capable than she ever imagined and that New York City can be a wonderful place. Together, they plan to set The Great Gang Trap and rid her neighborhood of the Longshadows once and for all! Unfortunately, the Longshadows are not the only threat in New York.
about a little boy ghost, dressed in black, who can fly
about a big, metal giant who can stand sky high
They'll always help you, and they'll never lie.
"They'll show you that even in your darkest hour,
deep inside you lies incredible power.
They are LITTLE WADE and WATCHTOWER!"
New York. 1899.
Abigail Reid just wants to go to school and get an education. A poor farm girl who only recently moved to New York from the country, she quickly learns that New York City can be a very dangerous place. The Longshadows, the ruthless gangsters that control her neighborhood, have her surrounded, but just when Abigail thinks she is all alone, she meets the legendary LITTLE WADE AND WATCHTOWER!
With their help, Abigail will discover that she is far braver and more capable than she ever imagined and that New York City can be a wonderful place. Together, they plan to set The Great Gang Trap and rid her neighborhood of the Longshadows once and for all! Unfortunately, the Longshadows are not the only threat in New York.
- GenresMiddle Grade
382 pages, Paperback
First published October 17, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 18, 2020
Trigger Warnings: child abduction, child murder, and gang violence
The book is about Abigail Reid who just wants to go to school and get an education.
A poor farm girl who only recently moved to New York from the country, she quickly learns that New York City can be a very dangerous place. The Longshadows, the ruthless gangsters that control her neighborhood, have her surrounded, but just when Abigail thinks she is all alone, she meets the legendary LITTLE WADE AND WATCHTOWER!
With their help, Abigail will discover that she is far braver and more capable than she ever imagined and that New York City can be a wonderful place. Together, they plan to set The Great Gang Trap and rid her neighborhood of the Longshadows once and for all!
Unfortunately, the Longshadows are not the only threat in New York.
I really enjoyed the story, it definitely got more interesting in the later half of the book. Throughout the book, you see character growth from Abigail and her perspective on the city/neighborhood. I love seeing character growth and it was good to see it in her companions as well. There are gangs that are abducting children and as you progress through the story you'll find out why. The build-up to the Great Gang Trap was well written and a plot twist that I did not see coming. I definitely enjoyed it and was heartfelt for Abigail, Little Wade and Watchtower.
There were so many good quotes throughout the book and many good positive life lessons to reference. Some quotes I annotated:
“This world will always make you feel tiny, so you might as well enjoy being a mouse and let it hone your wits”
"Amisit Ocasionem Infirmitatis - Opportunities lost because of weakness
Occasiones Pro Viribus Nova Inventa - Opportunnities for new strength discovered.
Pick a flaw, any flaw, and you can flip that flaw over and reveal a strength."
"When life is unfair, that is the perfect moment for you to do something unexpected. That is your chance to become someone extraordinary."
As a parent, I noticed the genre for this book was middle grade|teen & ya. I will say this book is more for 13+ and not really sure if middle grade is appropriate as there was quite a bit of reference on child murder and abduction. I felt that I should add the trigger warnings in case this book turned out to be middle grade and parents wanted to be aware of the content. This book did touch my heart as I was devastated and heartbroken for Abigail on what she went through. On a positive note, the book has a lot of life lessons to teach and I think it helps young readers gain perspective on what could be out there to raise more awareness.
Overall, this is an adventurous story and I am looking forward to the next journey in Abigail, Little Wade, and Watchtower!
Thank you to Netgalley, author and publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
The book is about Abigail Reid who just wants to go to school and get an education.
A poor farm girl who only recently moved to New York from the country, she quickly learns that New York City can be a very dangerous place. The Longshadows, the ruthless gangsters that control her neighborhood, have her surrounded, but just when Abigail thinks she is all alone, she meets the legendary LITTLE WADE AND WATCHTOWER!
With their help, Abigail will discover that she is far braver and more capable than she ever imagined and that New York City can be a wonderful place. Together, they plan to set The Great Gang Trap and rid her neighborhood of the Longshadows once and for all!
Unfortunately, the Longshadows are not the only threat in New York.
I really enjoyed the story, it definitely got more interesting in the later half of the book. Throughout the book, you see character growth from Abigail and her perspective on the city/neighborhood. I love seeing character growth and it was good to see it in her companions as well. There are gangs that are abducting children and as you progress through the story you'll find out why. The build-up to the Great Gang Trap was well written and a plot twist that I did not see coming. I definitely enjoyed it and was heartfelt for Abigail, Little Wade and Watchtower.
There were so many good quotes throughout the book and many good positive life lessons to reference. Some quotes I annotated:
“This world will always make you feel tiny, so you might as well enjoy being a mouse and let it hone your wits”
"Amisit Ocasionem Infirmitatis - Opportunities lost because of weakness
Occasiones Pro Viribus Nova Inventa - Opportunnities for new strength discovered.
Pick a flaw, any flaw, and you can flip that flaw over and reveal a strength."
"When life is unfair, that is the perfect moment for you to do something unexpected. That is your chance to become someone extraordinary."
As a parent, I noticed the genre for this book was middle grade|teen & ya. I will say this book is more for 13+ and not really sure if middle grade is appropriate as there was quite a bit of reference on child murder and abduction. I felt that I should add the trigger warnings in case this book turned out to be middle grade and parents wanted to be aware of the content. This book did touch my heart as I was devastated and heartbroken for Abigail on what she went through. On a positive note, the book has a lot of life lessons to teach and I think it helps young readers gain perspective on what could be out there to raise more awareness.
Overall, this is an adventurous story and I am looking forward to the next journey in Abigail, Little Wade, and Watchtower!
Thank you to Netgalley, author and publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 21, 2020
Reviewed by Maddie (age 13) for Reader Views Kids (11/2020)
“Little Wade and Watchtower: The Great Gang Trap” is the first book in a new fantasy series for teens by Sean March. The story is about thirteen-year-old Abigail, who just moved to New York City with her father. Things are very different in the city and not very friendly. The action starts when Abigail is chased by gang members on her way home one night. One by one the people living in the neighborhood close their windows and doors, ignoring Abigail’s cries for help. But wait, did that lamppost just move? And is that little boy blue? Yes, it’s Little Wade and Watchtower and together with Abigail and some other peculiar friends they work to get rid of the gang members for good through the Great Gang Trap!
Even though it’s a very long book and will take a while to read, the author makes it easy and fun so it doesn’t seem like it’s too long. The writing is like singing with the way things are described. One example is, “Abigail finally detected the source of the mechanical whirring, clicking, clanking, hissing, knocking, popping, grinding: the giant’s limbs and joint.” You can see, there’s never just one word to describe a situation and that makes you want to keep reading, to see what’s going to happen next, AND also to see how it’s going to be described. This book was fun to read.
The characters are great. Abigail is adventurous. Even though she may be afraid at times, she’s brave and always willing to try something new, especially when it will help someone else. Little Wade is like a teacher and also a friend who is very likeable because he’s so straightforward. Watchtower is mysterious and never says much but communicates by typing out notes. The gang members and some of the ghosts aren’t just bad, they are REALLY bad. You definitely will root for Abigail and her friends to take them down. Their names are creative as well like, Mr. Makepeace, The Wild Cards, the Longshadows, Night Owl Nell and others.
I also liked the way the story never stopped growing into a deeper mystery. Things aren’t what they seem like and there is a lot going on. When you think you know something is going to happen, a lot of times something else happens instead. One part near the end had me yelling, “NO!” when Mr. Makepeace does something unthinkable. You’ll just have to read the story to find out. The whole story feels like a ghost story since it’s set in New York City in 1899 and the ending guarantees there is another adventure coming.
I recommend “Little Wade and Watchtower: The Great Gang Trap” to both boys and girls ages 10-15. Even though the main character is a girl, boys will like all the non-stop action. There’s a lot everyone can enjoy, science, adventure, mystery, ghosts, friends, and more.
“Little Wade and Watchtower: The Great Gang Trap” is the first book in a new fantasy series for teens by Sean March. The story is about thirteen-year-old Abigail, who just moved to New York City with her father. Things are very different in the city and not very friendly. The action starts when Abigail is chased by gang members on her way home one night. One by one the people living in the neighborhood close their windows and doors, ignoring Abigail’s cries for help. But wait, did that lamppost just move? And is that little boy blue? Yes, it’s Little Wade and Watchtower and together with Abigail and some other peculiar friends they work to get rid of the gang members for good through the Great Gang Trap!
Even though it’s a very long book and will take a while to read, the author makes it easy and fun so it doesn’t seem like it’s too long. The writing is like singing with the way things are described. One example is, “Abigail finally detected the source of the mechanical whirring, clicking, clanking, hissing, knocking, popping, grinding: the giant’s limbs and joint.” You can see, there’s never just one word to describe a situation and that makes you want to keep reading, to see what’s going to happen next, AND also to see how it’s going to be described. This book was fun to read.
The characters are great. Abigail is adventurous. Even though she may be afraid at times, she’s brave and always willing to try something new, especially when it will help someone else. Little Wade is like a teacher and also a friend who is very likeable because he’s so straightforward. Watchtower is mysterious and never says much but communicates by typing out notes. The gang members and some of the ghosts aren’t just bad, they are REALLY bad. You definitely will root for Abigail and her friends to take them down. Their names are creative as well like, Mr. Makepeace, The Wild Cards, the Longshadows, Night Owl Nell and others.
I also liked the way the story never stopped growing into a deeper mystery. Things aren’t what they seem like and there is a lot going on. When you think you know something is going to happen, a lot of times something else happens instead. One part near the end had me yelling, “NO!” when Mr. Makepeace does something unthinkable. You’ll just have to read the story to find out. The whole story feels like a ghost story since it’s set in New York City in 1899 and the ending guarantees there is another adventure coming.
I recommend “Little Wade and Watchtower: The Great Gang Trap” to both boys and girls ages 10-15. Even though the main character is a girl, boys will like all the non-stop action. There’s a lot everyone can enjoy, science, adventure, mystery, ghosts, friends, and more.
January 17, 2021
New York City can be overwhelming even if you are a grown-up but if you’re a child, and that too one that has lived on a farm all her life, New York City can look like a terrifying place. With an absent father, who is mostly just working hard to put food on the table, and a dead mother; Abigail feels lonely in this big bad world.
During the first few chapters, this is how Abigail’s character is portrayed, but the second half is where the book actually gets interesting.
Abigail‘s character sees such tremendous growth, because of the adventures that she experiences. It is through the unique companions on her journey that she is transformed into a brave little girl. I loved the writing of this book because there were so many quotes that I could write down so I would be able to remember them in my bad moments. And that’s how I check the quality of anyone’s writing, if it is memorable or not.
“This world will always make you feel tiny, so you might as well enjoy being a mouse and let it hone your wits”
"When life is unfair, that is the perfect moment for you to do something unexpected. That is your chance to become someone extraordinary."
The book is intended for middle grade audience, but considering the fact that it includes abduction and murder, perhaps it is better meant for children of the age of 12 or above. As for the other characters of the story, they are the ones that make the book come truly alive. Little Wade is like a guardian who is equally good at giving advice and having a conversation. Watchtower is more of a mystery, always talking in notes and the names of these characters are really unique.
In the end, it is a fun children’s book. It will teach a kid how to transform a weak moment into strength. It tells you how to fit in in a strange strange world. And also, that all you need are some good friends to make any place home.
During the first few chapters, this is how Abigail’s character is portrayed, but the second half is where the book actually gets interesting.
Abigail‘s character sees such tremendous growth, because of the adventures that she experiences. It is through the unique companions on her journey that she is transformed into a brave little girl. I loved the writing of this book because there were so many quotes that I could write down so I would be able to remember them in my bad moments. And that’s how I check the quality of anyone’s writing, if it is memorable or not.
“This world will always make you feel tiny, so you might as well enjoy being a mouse and let it hone your wits”
"When life is unfair, that is the perfect moment for you to do something unexpected. That is your chance to become someone extraordinary."
The book is intended for middle grade audience, but considering the fact that it includes abduction and murder, perhaps it is better meant for children of the age of 12 or above. As for the other characters of the story, they are the ones that make the book come truly alive. Little Wade is like a guardian who is equally good at giving advice and having a conversation. Watchtower is more of a mystery, always talking in notes and the names of these characters are really unique.
In the end, it is a fun children’s book. It will teach a kid how to transform a weak moment into strength. It tells you how to fit in in a strange strange world. And also, that all you need are some good friends to make any place home.
June 24, 2022
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Little Wade and Watchtower: Abigail and the Great Gang Trap
Author: Sean March
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 10/5
Of the 15 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting the story’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
14 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“This is such a cool adventure story. The best character was Watchtower. I thought the story was easy to follow and it was often very exciting.” Boy, aged 12
“It was interesting that it was set so long ago in New York. I liked that setting a lot. I thought the characters were fun to get to know, particularly Abigail who I felt sorry for in the beginning.” Girl, aged 11
“This is a thrilling coming-of-age story about a girl growing up in New York with a little help from a child ghost and a robot (of sorts). It´s a very feel-good sort of story with an interesting dilemma (the Longshadows) for them to overcome. Accessibly written with plenty of pace, this will go down well with 9 – 12 year olds.” Primary school teacher, aged 55
“I asked my mum if she could get me the next book. This was so cool.” Boy, aged 9
To Sum It Up:
‘A wonderfully exciting historical adventure, perfect for 9 – 12 year olds. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Little Wade and Watchtower: Abigail and the Great Gang Trap
Author: Sean March
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 10/5
Of the 15 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting the story’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
14 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“This is such a cool adventure story. The best character was Watchtower. I thought the story was easy to follow and it was often very exciting.” Boy, aged 12
“It was interesting that it was set so long ago in New York. I liked that setting a lot. I thought the characters were fun to get to know, particularly Abigail who I felt sorry for in the beginning.” Girl, aged 11
“This is a thrilling coming-of-age story about a girl growing up in New York with a little help from a child ghost and a robot (of sorts). It´s a very feel-good sort of story with an interesting dilemma (the Longshadows) for them to overcome. Accessibly written with plenty of pace, this will go down well with 9 – 12 year olds.” Primary school teacher, aged 55
“I asked my mum if she could get me the next book. This was so cool.” Boy, aged 9
To Sum It Up:
‘A wonderfully exciting historical adventure, perfect for 9 – 12 year olds. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
October 8, 2022
Abigail and the Great Gang trap is an imaginative middle-grade story with absolute truth, hope, and creative friends. Abigail and her dad are forced to give up country life and move to New York City for better opportunities in education and work. Unfortunately, they live in a neighborhood filled with gangs that snatch young children off the street. One night Abigail is late leaving her job and is accosted by some gang members but is recused by a fantastic duo called little wade and watch tower.
The author has taken all to a common problem: children being able to navigate the world safely and parents having to work more than they want to provide. Abigail's father is not a bad dad, but he needs to work to keep them in a home, and Abigail works as well as attending school; both are made more difficult by the gangs. The author takes this problematic issue and puts a creative twist on it with the creativity of Little Wade, a ghost, and his fantastic friend Watchtower. The characters in this story are creative, and the simple story brings a lot of hope and positive messages to those who pick it up. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale and can not wait to see what else this author has in store for us.
The author has taken all to a common problem: children being able to navigate the world safely and parents having to work more than they want to provide. Abigail's father is not a bad dad, but he needs to work to keep them in a home, and Abigail works as well as attending school; both are made more difficult by the gangs. The author takes this problematic issue and puts a creative twist on it with the creativity of Little Wade, a ghost, and his fantastic friend Watchtower. The characters in this story are creative, and the simple story brings a lot of hope and positive messages to those who pick it up. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale and can not wait to see what else this author has in store for us.
April 10, 2021
TW: Child abduction, murder, gang violence
Thank you Netgalley and Sean March for the eARC! Also extra thanks to Sean for sending me an ePUB copy of his book so I could actually read it since I don't have Kindle. I thought this story had a lot of great messages for kids that would inspire and empower them. There's also a lot of emphasis on consent in this book and the fact that even though you are a child, you still have the ability to make choices. The characters were very imaginative but a little hard to keep track of because there were so many gangs and gang members and ghosts. I feel like a character list would have been helpful. There were also a lot of action scenes in the plot and so much was happening during the last 100 pages of the book that I found myself skimming through the fight scenes. Overall, I would recommend this book because of the great messages in it.
3.5/5 Stars
Thank you Netgalley and Sean March for the eARC! Also extra thanks to Sean for sending me an ePUB copy of his book so I could actually read it since I don't have Kindle. I thought this story had a lot of great messages for kids that would inspire and empower them. There's also a lot of emphasis on consent in this book and the fact that even though you are a child, you still have the ability to make choices. The characters were very imaginative but a little hard to keep track of because there were so many gangs and gang members and ghosts. I feel like a character list would have been helpful. There were also a lot of action scenes in the plot and so much was happening during the last 100 pages of the book that I found myself skimming through the fight scenes. Overall, I would recommend this book because of the great messages in it.
3.5/5 Stars
February 13, 2021
Really unique intermediate steampunk-y fiction. The scrappy booksmart girl hero isn’t particularly an innovation, though Abigail is very well-executed. And while her extraordinary rescuers and trainers Little Wade and The Watchtower are definitely a new take, my fave thing bout this book is its message of the goodness (and not) and heroism (and not) of just everyday folks in the neighborhood. This theme was introduced and examined a bit...I honestly wish that there was a smidge more of it to be found in trade for maybe one of the set-pieces of Abigail’s thrilling heroics...but there is a sequel afoot...
This book was an ARC that I got access to via the author and BookSirens, and I appreciate the opportunity to read it...
This book was an ARC that I got access to via the author and BookSirens, and I appreciate the opportunity to read it...
February 25, 2021
Any age group can read this mix of history, fantasy, paranormal and family ties with a large dose of Jules Verne. Or maybe it's magical steampunk, either way spanning three days it's non-stop action from the first. The historical gangs of New York make money any way they can. Enter Little Wade, a child ghost and his magical mechanical friend Watchtower. Their goal is to protect the children of New York, becoming involved when one of the gangs try to kidnap Abigail. Under their guidance Abigail makes more friends and learns to handle living in New York City. Sounds dull doesn't it? Not, it's all about the journey.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 6, 2020
Moving to New York from the country becomes a dangerous adventure for Abigail Reid, who just wants to go to school. Within the first few pages, the reader becomes engaged in Abigail’s mission to control the Longshadows, a gang that controls her new neighborhood. She then meets Little Wade and Watchtower who help her discover her resiliency and inner strength.
Though a long read (415 pages), this book brings a lot of empowerment and inspiration for young readers. Throughout the story, most of the situations encountered bring a positive learning experience.
Fast paced and easy to read. Definitely worth it.
Though a long read (415 pages), this book brings a lot of empowerment and inspiration for young readers. Throughout the story, most of the situations encountered bring a positive learning experience.
Fast paced and easy to read. Definitely worth it.
March 8, 2021
The book is the tale of a country girl displaced to New York City in 1899 and her run-in with New York street gangs. I loved the story! Abigail is feisty & smart. Little Wade & the Watchtower are well thought out. Old New York was beautifully rendered in a way that I, a resident of the City, could picture the scenes well. There were a few spots where the book dragged a touch but, as an adult, I'm not exactly the target audience. Overall, I found the book delightful and look forward to reading the further adventures of the trio.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 11, 2021
I loved this book. It was enticing throughout the whole book and after every chapter, I'd long for another. It wasn't predictable and the plot was pretty original by my standards. I'm so glad that this is a series and I plan on buying the next. And, for being a new author, this seems very creative. Though a few things did not make sense including Abigail being given so much, there's also a giant mechanical man so it doesn't really matter. In conclusion, this was a very good book, and I enjoyed it.
January 2, 2021
Kids will definitely enjoy this intro to steampunk with paranormal elements.
It's a fun read with lots of heartfelt moments, and important advice that children need to hear in regards to staying safe and believing in themselves.
It's a fun read with lots of heartfelt moments, and important advice that children need to hear in regards to staying safe and believing in themselves.
September 29, 2021
We are proud to announce that ABIGAIL AND THE GREAT GANG TRAP (Little Wade and Watchtower #1) has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
April 5, 2021
Amazing book!! Intreging! Non stop anticipation! Fascinating! A must read!
I received an ARC free from BookSirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
I received an ARC free from BookSirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
January 22, 2021
Abigail and her father have moved to New York City from the country. Still reeling from her mother’s death, all she wants is to go to school and read books. But her neighborhood is unsafe. One evening, while walking home from school, the Longshadows, the ruthless gang in her neighborhood, try to kidnap her. Just when she thinks she is all alone; a boy and a very tall man help her. But the boy is not an ordinary boy, neither is the tall man just any tall man. Read Little Wade and the Watchtower by Sean March to discover who they are, and how they help Abigail.
Sean March’s Little Wade and the Watchtower is an excellent middle-grade fiction that has elements of steampunk, magic, ghosts, and historical fiction.
It has incredibly detailed world-building and vivid descriptions that bring to life the antics of Abigail, Little Wade, and Watchtower. I was sucked into the New York City of 1899 with its bustling towns, people and carriages thronging the roads, and squalid neighborhoods rife with gang wars and vicious activities.
March crafts an original and entertaining story replete with three-dimensional characters. He has a rich imagination that translates into an enchanting tale in the form of Little Wade and the Watchtower.
Moreover, the book is highly adventurous. Though the book is lengthy at 415 pages, a brisk pace helped me in finishing the book swiftly. Further, little nuggets of wisdom are tucked here and there in the text instilling a message of hope in its readers.
It was an exhilarating ride from start to finish. Little Wade and the Watchtower enraptured me. Highly recommended for the middle-grade as well as the young adult audience.
A complimentary digital copy was provided to me by the publisher for review. It does not affect my opinion of the book.
Sean March’s Little Wade and the Watchtower is an excellent middle-grade fiction that has elements of steampunk, magic, ghosts, and historical fiction.
It has incredibly detailed world-building and vivid descriptions that bring to life the antics of Abigail, Little Wade, and Watchtower. I was sucked into the New York City of 1899 with its bustling towns, people and carriages thronging the roads, and squalid neighborhoods rife with gang wars and vicious activities.
March crafts an original and entertaining story replete with three-dimensional characters. He has a rich imagination that translates into an enchanting tale in the form of Little Wade and the Watchtower.
Moreover, the book is highly adventurous. Though the book is lengthy at 415 pages, a brisk pace helped me in finishing the book swiftly. Further, little nuggets of wisdom are tucked here and there in the text instilling a message of hope in its readers.
It was an exhilarating ride from start to finish. Little Wade and the Watchtower enraptured me. Highly recommended for the middle-grade as well as the young adult audience.
A complimentary digital copy was provided to me by the publisher for review. It does not affect my opinion of the book.
December 2, 2023
Abigail and the Great Gang trap is an imaginative middle-grade story with absolute truth, hope, and creative friends. Abigail and her dad are forced to give up country life and move to New York City for better opportunities in education and work. Unfortunately, they live in a neighborhood filled with gangs that snatch young children off the street. One night Abigail is late leaving her job and is accosted by some gang members but is recused by a fantastic duo called little wade and watch tower.
The author has taken all to a common problem: children being able to navigate the world safely and parents having to work more than they want to provide. Abigail's father is not a bad dad, but he needs to work to keep them in a home, and Abigail works as well as attending school; both are made more difficult by the gangs.
The author takes this problematic issue and puts a creative twist on it with the creativity of Little Wade, a ghost, and his fantastic friend Watchtower.
The characters in this story are creative, and the simple story brings a lot of hope and positive messages to those who pick it up.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale and can not wait to see what else this author has in store for us.
The author has taken all to a common problem: children being able to navigate the world safely and parents having to work more than they want to provide. Abigail's father is not a bad dad, but he needs to work to keep them in a home, and Abigail works as well as attending school; both are made more difficult by the gangs.
The author takes this problematic issue and puts a creative twist on it with the creativity of Little Wade, a ghost, and his fantastic friend Watchtower.
The characters in this story are creative, and the simple story brings a lot of hope and positive messages to those who pick it up.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale and can not wait to see what else this author has in store for us.
December 4, 2020
What a sweet and uplifting story about Abigail, wade and watchtower. Abigail runs into trouble when someone tries to kidnap her. After no adult helps she is frightened and weary of others until she is saved by a ghost boy named Wade and a mechanical man named watchtower. I read this with my younger children and they really did not want the story to end. So much so that we are reading it again. The rhymes are perfect for younger children to learn words and how to place them in sentences together. The story is about courage and overcoming fear. I hope that I never lose sight of what my childhood meant to me and this story took me back to those days when I wondered if I had the courage to do things that I wanted to do. I wish there were more books like this but am grateful that this author had the foresight to write such an amazing story.
Thank you to netgalley as well as the author/publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to netgalley as well as the author/publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 5, 2020
Little Wade and Watchtower is a fantastic YA book about a girl, a ghost, and a mechanical man. It takes place in NYC in the old days. Abigail has it tough and is getting hassled by a gang when she meets Little Wade and his sidekick Watchtower. After they rescue her they offer her their services. Basically, they teach her to be strong and confident and think things through. I really loved the lessons and the meanings in them. The whole book is very well written, however, it does get a little slow about 3/4 of the way through, then picks back up again at the end. I loved the characters, especially Watchtower. I think YA fans will really enjoy this book. I can't wait to read the next one.
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